Empress Elisabeth of Austria, 1867
Almonds, violets, and sour cherries: these are the ingredients of the anniversary ice cream created by the internationally acclaimed Sissi Ice Cream Parlor to mark the 60th anniversary of Gödöllő’s designation as a city. Named “Gödöllő60,” the ice cream revives Queen Elisabeth’s favorite flavors in a modern form. Mayor György Gémesi was among the first to sample this specialty at the ice cream shop’s production facility, Turizmus.com reported.
Gödöllő (central Hungary) will celebrate the 60th anniversary of its designation as a city in 2026. In honor of this anniversary year, Sissi Ice Cream Parlor—which has been operating in the city for 15 years—has created a special recipe.
When conceiving the “Gödöllő60” ice cream, the creators sought a flavor profile that is both elegant and closely tied to local history as well as the city’s natural features.
The choice fell on violets, almonds, and sour cherries—as the recipe is a direct reference to the historical figure of Queen Elisabeth and the former opulence of the gardens in Gödöllő.
The queen’s passionate love for violets was well known: it was her favorite flower, and she sought out delicacies made from it. She enjoyed violet ice cream, syrups, and candied violets; her perfume was also made from this flower, and her rooms were decorated with shades of violet. It is no coincidence that when she arrived in Gödöllő, the palace garden was regularly filled with violets in her honor.
In addition to regal elegance, the creators have incorporated local ingredients—typical of the town and grown locally—into the concept.
Sour cherries and almonds are closely associated with the town. Antal Grassalkovich I, considered the founder of Gödöllő, owned numerous extensive orchards, the memory of which is preserved to this day in several street names.
This dual heritage is combined in the new flavor: the smooth almond ice cream is complemented by a violet-infused sour cherry sauce and a crunchy almond layer.
Fact
Ice cream master Andrea Koncz has been making ice cream together with her husband, János Koncz, for 36 years. The Sissi team previously won the title of “Ice Cream of the Year at Lake Balaton” and has been a multiple podium finisher and special award winner in the “Ice Cream of the Year” competition. In September 2025, they were the only Hungarians to receive the prestigious “Master of Quality Award” at the Scirubetta Festival in Italy.
Via Turizmus.com; Featured photo: Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
